Do you find it challenging to be a person of compassion?

The world is upside-down right now and I'm finding it difficult to keep my heart soft.

My wife encouraged me to limit social media. She was right because I would read about the conditions that children were having to endure at the border, among other horrific news, and feel immeasurable heaviness. It takes a toll on your body/psyche and the reality of the fatigue catches up to you.

My wife noticed I was becoming more disconnected, isolated, worn out, and exhausted by all the hate and negativity. But it isn't just social media. I've noticed family, friends, associates, etc. who just don't give a damn about the suffering all around them. That's what troubles me worst of all. It's like the pain of other people simply doesn’t register in them anymore.

I will always be a fierce lover of humanity and of the planet, and of people who don’t look or worship or sound like me. But there's a cost to compassion, a personal price tag to cultivating empathy in days when cruelty is trending. What I've learned over the past couple of years is to take some time to step away. I take more time for myself because I know the fray and the fight will still be there when I return and I’ll be better able to face it.

Does any of this make sense? I've been known to ramble. 😏

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Graylight · 51-55, F

I’ve noticed and felt the real impact of the divisive nature of people in the current climate. Rather than listen we just talk at. Rather than consider other sides, we beat them down until we can ignore them. We’re too quick with slams, words of mockery, denigration and cruelty. We’re willing to live as though the ends really do justify whatever means we use. We resort to petty topics and childish nicknames, which is exactly the quality we dislike so much in the current leader.

This has been an amazingly divisive time and rather than heal the divide we’ve let it seep into all kinds of areas. Personally, I think we’re crasser, colder and more self-absorbed than ever. The media has all but abandoned rational thought and we’ve begun using memes to convey serious talking points. And I include myself in the fray.

For all the wackiness Marianne Williamson conveys, some of her points and perspectives are spot on. We need more compassion, acceptance and love infusing the things we do. Maybe taking time from social media is the right direction. Maybe a little more face time and a little less hunting for the next fight. SW is my outlet, and one of the few social media sites left I use with any regularity; chances are good I’m not leaving. But I have stopped using other apps and sites – sometimes it’s just better to go out and look at the clouds.